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Colorado Sports Betting: Best CO Online Sportsbook Sites Nov. 2023

With 20 of the nation's best sportsbooks to select from — including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars — the Colorado sports betting market offers players the most comprehensive range of gaming experiences in the U.S. Read on to learn about Colorado sportsbook promos, how to start betting in CO, legal history, and more.

Affiliate Disclosure: Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site.

21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Best Colorado sports betting sites

#1

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Easy transition of funds from DFS to sportsbook.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Promos and bonus plays for existing members.

FanDuel Review

FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.

Features

#2

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Features

  • Largest retail sportsbook in America.
  • Elite rewards program.
  • Live streaming of NFL games.
Bet Now Opens a New Window

Caesars Review

Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.

Features

#3

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Global sportsbook.
  • Quality live betting options.
  • Substantial number of bets offered.
Bet Now Opens a New Window

bet365 Review

bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.

Features

#4

Up to a $250 Second Chance Bet

Features

  • Large offering of alternative lines and props.
  • Flexible betslip lets you set the amount you want to win.
  • Live betting section is well organized.

BetRivers Review

BetRivers is in Colorado! BetRivers has a welcome bonus of up to a $250 second chance bet. Use promo code SBRBONUS upon sign-up to claim.

Must be 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 

Features

#5

Features

  • Global betting experience dating back to the 1960s.
  • Odds are largely fair and competitive.
  • Clean user interface.

Betfred Review

Betfred started life in the 1960s as a single betting shop, but look at it now! The company has transformed into a global online gambling giant. While the sportsbook here isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, the odds are fair, and the mobile app stands out.

Features

#6

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Lots of promos and odds boosts.
  • Wide range of sports and bet types.
  • Seamless integration with DFS.

DraftKings Review

DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd. However, their reputation has dwindled as outspoken CEO Jason Robins leads the charge of the anti-profitable bettor mentality that runs rampant amongst sportsbooks that are quick to limit winning players.

Features

#7

$1,500 Back in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Some of the best live-betting odds.
  • Casino Operator of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
  • Good rewards
Bet Now Opens a New Window

BetMGM Review

BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.

Features

#8

Bet $25, Get $100 in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Highly competitive odds.
  • Unique betting model.
  • Social feature allows users to connect and share bets.

SBK Review

SBK offers one of the best sports betting platforms in Colorado and Indiana. Every sports bettor needs to be conscious of finding the best odds, and SBK makes that easy due to its unique betting model that allows users to either set their odds or trade with another user if they believe they have an edge. Smarkets, a UK-based betting exchange, powers SBK.

Features

#9

Up to a $250 Bonus Bet

Features

  • Massive selection of markets.
  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Wide variety of banking options.

Betway Review

While this book won’t wow you with its design, you won’t find many apps easier to navigate – or with the sheer volume of sports markets Betway offers. And although you'll find more generous signup offers elsewhere, Betway remains a strong global sports betting brand that deserves to be mentioned among the second-tier sportsbook options in the U.S.

Features

#10

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

Features

  • Great user interface.
  • Deep selection of bets in major sports.
  • Ongoing promotions for recurring players.

ClutchBet Review

Bringing its successful track record from Australia to the U.S., ClutchBet is a solid addition to the Colorado and Iowa sportsbook markets.

Features

#11

Second Chance Bet up to $500

Features

  • Live streaming on select sports.
  • Two decades of experience in global gambling scene.
  • Great selection of games and sports betting options.

Betsafe Review

Betsafe may not be the biggest name in the U.S. online betting market, but our review gives it a thumbs up in most aspects of its overall experience. Betsafe offers bettors a combination of competitive odds markets, high-level usability, and a great interface.

Features

#12

Deposit $50, Get $150

Features

  • In-house odds.
  • Request-a-Bet feature.
  • Solid quantity of bet types.

Tipico Review

The wide array of bet types and sports covered at Tipico is on par with the leaders in the U.S. industry. We would like to see them feature more favorable odds regularly to compete with rival sportsbooks. They also need to strip back their promotions program to create more appealing and less frustrating playthrough requirements to achieve the advertised promotion amounts with ease.

Features

#13

Exclusive Odds Boosts

Features

  • End-to-end tech through its ownership of Bet.Works.
  • Friend-focused features offer above-average user engagement.
  • In-house odds sometimes offer mispriced lines.

Bally Bet Review

Bally Bet’s bare-bones operation and limited features don’t warrant much consideration as a part of your regular sportsbook rotation unless you find holes in their lines. Still, it’s a company to be bullish about going forward.

Features

#14

$250 First Bet Match

Promo code: SUPERBOOK

Features

  • Extremely popular NFL SuperContest.
  • One of the best retail sportsbooks in Las Vegas.
  • High-quality odds and dedicated in-house oddsmakers.

SuperBook Review

SuperBook offers new players a 100% first bet match of up to $250.

Features

#15

No bonuses, but high limits

Features

  • High limits.
  • Can offer more favorable lines than competitors.
  • Will occasionally open the market on odds.

Circa Sports Review: Promo Code & Sportsbook App for Nov. 2023

Circa Sports is a high-roller haven with the most impressive in-person sportsbook experience in the world. It is known for high stakes and not limiting winning players. However, it may not be the best option for casual bettors and lacks some basic features found in all major online sportsbooks.

Features

#16

Bet $20, Win $200

Features

  • BetFeed ranks popular incoming bets.
  • Solid live betting menu.
  • Many promotional offers.

SI Sportsbook Review

The Sports Illustrated Sportsbook is very much in its infancy, which is noticeable upon browsing the betting site or app, as the design is mediocre to go along with below-average betting odds. However, their relationship with 888 Holdings should allow them to evolve as they continue to grow in this hyper-competitive space.

Features

#17

Monarch Rewards Program

Features

  • Competitive Odds.
  • Friendly and Responsive Customer Service.
  • App Available for iOS and Android.

BetMonarch Review

For the average or beginner bettor, BetMonarch is a viable app to utilize. The Colorado-based BetMonarch offers wagering on all the standard major North American professional leagues. The only relatively unique sport on the menu is the WNBA. Otherwise, it falls short of what other sportsbooks live in Colorado offer - especially compared to the menus at DraftKings and FanDuel. 

Features

Yes, betting on sports in fully legal in Colorado. The state has a dozen retail sportsbooks and licenses and regulates 20 different online sportsbooks you can use on PC or mobile devices.

CO sports betting key developments and updates

Sept. 26, 2023: BetMGM partners with Kindbridge Behavioral Health to make mental health and problem gambling programs easier to access in Colorado.

Aug 11, 2023: WynnBET announces it is closing operations in Colorado, along with five other states. It will remain open in New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

July 24, 2023: Despite closing operations in New Jersey and requesting to be put into "maintenance mode" in Colorado, PlayUp Sportsbook continues to accept wagers.

April 25, 2023: ClutchBet goes live in Colorado, its second market after debuting in Iowa in August 2022.

April 12, 2023: Sports betting handle in Colorado drops slightly for the month of March, down to $425.9 million, breaking a streak of four-straight months of $500+ million.

March 7, 2023: Colorado sees an uptick in its January sports betting numbers. The Colorado Department of Revenue reveals that the state's providers took in more than $500 million for the fourth-straight month.

March 2023: With water conservation a point of focus in Colorado, legislatures are introducing bills to earmark tax revenue from sports betting to service state water projects. An uptick in sports betting numbers is also reported.

September 2022: bet365 launches its online sportsbook and sports betting app. It’s the 26th sports betting site to arrive in Colorado.

June 2022: BetWildwood shuts down operations in Colorado. Despite this, Colorado still ranks seventh in the top legal sports betting states.

May 2022: TwinSpires ceases operations in Colorado.

August 2021: Barstool Sportsbook launches in Colorado.

May 2020: The first online sportsbooks launch, including DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and FanDuel.

May 2019: Colorado Governor Jared Polis signs HB 1327 into law. Sports betting is coming to the Rocky Mountain State.

April 2019: The Colorado legislature introduces a bill to legalize sports betting in the state.

May 2018: As expected, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This ruling allows states to determine whether or not to legalize sports betting within their borders.

Colorado sports betting quick facts

🚀 Launch date       May 2020
➡️ Legal betting age 21+
🔔 CO regulatorDivision of Gaming
▶️ Total betting sites 20
📱 Online sports betting      Yes
🏀 Retail sports betting       Yes
🎰 Online casino       No
🃏 Online poker No
🏆 Sports betting apps 20
✈ Remote registration acceptedYes
🏈 College sports betting       Yes
🎮 esports bettingLimited
🌎 2021 population (est.)       5.8 million
💵 2022 betting handle       $5.17 billion
💸 Tax rate       10%

Colorado betting promos and bonuses

Colorado is one of the most challenging environments for online sportsbook operators. The best way each of the 20 sports betting sites can stand out and attract new business is by offering the best sportsbook promos, and loyalty programs to keep players coming back.

While several sportsbooks do offer deposit match bonuses, the most common Colorado sportsbook promos remain first bet insurance in some form or another. Remember that in each of these scenarios where welcome bonuses are insurances on the first wager, you won’t see any bonus monies if your first bet wins, only if it loses.

CO sportsbook 🏆Promo code ✅  Welcome bonus 💰
bet365SBRBONUSBet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
BetMGMSBRBONUS$1,500 back in bonus bets
BetRiversSBRBONUS$250 second chance bet
CaesarsSBRBONUS1000$1,000 first bet on Caesars
SuperBookSUPERBOOK$250 first bet bonus
Bally BetNo code required$550 first bet insurance
BetfredNo code required$105 on Fred
BetMonarchNo code requiredReward points
BetSafeNo code required100% Deposit Match
BetwayNo code requiredUp to $250 bonus bet
Circa SportsNo code requiredHigh limits
DraftKingsNo code requiredBet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
ESPN BETNo code requiredGet $200 in bonus bets
FanDuelNo code requiredBet $5, win $150 in bonus bets
PlayUpNo code required$250 bonus bet
PointsBetN/AUnique bet types
SBKNo code requiredBet $25, get $100
SI SportsbookNo code requiredBet $20, win $200
Sky UteNo code requiredRewards Program
TipicoNo code requiredDeposit match up to $250

Now, if you’re a veteran sports bettor already signed up at one or more of Colorado’s 20 online sportsbooks, the welcome bonus may not be available, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to shop around.

Bettors are allowed to redeem one welcome bonus at each of the 20 online sportsbooks, and when more launch in the future, cagey veteran sharks can redeem those, too. Otherwise, keep close tabs on ongoing promotions once you log into your accounts. Odds boosts, reduced juice, bonus bets, and other reward programs encourage you to stick with one sportsbook over another.

Top Colorado betting sites

With 20 available, all Colorado betting sites have something to offer the casual sports bettor. However, in such a crowded space, operators continue creating unique experiences for players to keep them returning. The advancements in live video streaming technologies allow several sports betting apps to offer live video streams of their betting events.

In contrast, most offers live in-game betting where you can wager on the next play, quarter, or team to score. This constant desire to up the ante and invent creative ways to improve the user experience always benefits you, the player.

Here is what the sportsbooks in Colorado are boasting these days:

CO sportsbookBest known for
Bally BetLive in-game betting
Barstool SportsbookPersonality driven promos
bet365Live video streaming
BetfredDaily odds boosts
BetMGM"King of Parlays"
BetMonarchColorado-based app
BetRiversAward-winning parent company
BetsafeLarge menu of betting options
BetwayDaily odds boosts
CaesarsHuge welcome bonus
Circa SportsHigher betting limits
DraftKingsIndustry leader
FanDuel#1 rated app
PlayUpThousands of markets
PointsBetPoints Betting™
SBKPrice+
SI Sportsbook (888)Perfect 10 contest
Sky UteTop safety and security
SuperBookEarly lines
TipicoDaily promotions

Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Colorado

FanDuel was one of the first online sportsbooks to launch in Colorado in 2020. All these years later, this industry leader remains the top sportsbook in the Rocky Mountain state. Numbers don’t lie, and if you check out FanDuel’s app store rating on iOS and Android for betting apps, it’s even ahead of rival DraftKings for producing quality products and user experiences.

To claim the welcome offer, new FanDuel users will need to register for an account, make a first-time deposit of $10 or more, and place an initial wager of at least $5 on any pre-game moneyline market. If that bet wins, the sportsbook will award $150 in bonus bets — no FanDuel promo code needed. 

Additionally, once the sign-up offer expires, FanDuel is well known for offering best-in-class weekly promotions and perks like boosted odds, same-game parlays, and rewards programs that provide benefits to loyal bettors.

Though others have jumped on the trend, FanDuel was one of the first-to-market operators of live video streaming. Bettors can watch live events in the app while keeping an eye on their bet slip simultaneously on one of the best live betting sites. With dozens of betting markets to choose from, like the NFL, European soccer, and PGA tour events, FanDuel has something to offer every bettor.

Bettors should also applaud FanDuel for their superior security measures and easy-to-access customer service team. At some point, a question will arise, and if you want answers quickly, you’ll want to reach out to FanDuel’s all-star customer service team. Check out our FanDuel review for more.

Other Colorado online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

Caesars Colorado

With global name recognition, it’s hard to ignore the Caesars Colorado sportsbook. If brand awareness wasn’t enough, their app store rating is above average among iOS and Android users. New players can earn up to a $1,000 first bet using Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUS1000 during sign-up. New players can also earn thousands of Caesars Rewards Points upon sign-up, which can be redeemed later for bonus bets and VIP experiences at Caesars properties.

Caesars Colorado 
⭐ App Store rating4.6/5
📈 Google Play rating4.4/5
🏆 Best featureFrequent odds boosts
📺 Live streamingYes
💰 Caesars bonus$1,000 first bet on Caesars
💵 Payout speed1 - 5 business days
⬇ Download Size316.5 MB
🗺 States active19 (+DC)

Where to bet on sports in Colorado: Caesars review

DraftKings Colorado

The industry leader made a name for itself when daily fantasy sports took the United States by storm years ago. Still, DraftKings remains a top dog, thanks to its wide-ranging betting markets and second-to-none user experience. Just look at the app store ratings of 4.8 by iPhone users and 4.5 by Android bettors — they believe in DraftKings.

New players can earn $150 in bonus bets right now when they sign up and wager $5 on any sports market. DraftKings will process payouts on the same day for some players. No DraftKings promo code is required.

DraftKings Colorado 
⭐ App Store rating4.8/5
📈 Google Play rating4.6/5
🏆 Best featureLoads of micro-betting options
📺 Live streamingYes
💰 DraftKings bonusBet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
💵 Payout speed60 minutes - 7 days
⬇ Download size278 MB
🗺 States active23

Where to bet on sports in Colorado: DraftKings review. Comparison review: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.

BetMGM Colorado

The King of Parlays has made a home in the Rocky Mountains but is consistently a top-five operator in every state where sports betting is legal. The app store ratings below speak for themselves.

New players can be slightly more aggressive on their first wager right now as the BetMGM Colorado sportsbook offers up to $1,500 in first bet insurance. If your first bet loses, BetMGM will stake you up to $1,500 in lost monies as bonus bets. You do not need a BetMGM bonus code to claim this reward.

BetMGM Colorado 
⭐ App Store rating4.8/5
📈 Google Play rating4.3/5
🏆 Best featureExcellent rewards program
📺 Live streamingYes
💰 BetMGM bonusUp to $1,500 back in bonus bets
💵 Payout speedUp to 5 banking days
⬇ Download size84.7 MB
🗺 States active19 (+DC)

Where to bet on sports in Colorado: BetMGM review

bet365 Colorado

bet365 became the 26th sportsbook to launch online and via a sports betting app in Colorado. While it remains the second-most popular sports betting app among iPhone users, Android bettors believe the product could be better. New players can earn $150 in bonus bets sans a bet365 bonus code when they wager $5 on their first bet, or they can opt for a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net instead.

bet365 Colorado 
⭐ App Store rating4.6/5
📈 Google Play rating3.6/5
🏆 Best featureLowest-risk welcome bonus
📺 Live streamingYes
💰 bet365 bonusBet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
💰 Alt. bet365 bonus$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
💵 Payout speedUp to 5 banking days
⬇ Download size36 MB
🗺 States active6

Where to bet on sports in Colorado: bet365 review

Colorado sportsbooks honorable mentions

Although the remaining operators didn’t crack out the top five Colorado sportsbooks, we encourage you to check out the SBR review at least and dig into whether or not their services are what you are looking for in a sports betting site and app.

How we rate and review Colorado sportsbooks

Sportsbook Review’s editorial team independently reviews each Colorado sportsbook for quality. SBR’s team of experts comes from various sports betting backgrounds, allowing for a more comprehensive critique of operator’s sites and sports betting apps. Since there are 20 online sportsbooks to choose from in the Rocky Mountain State, the margin for error/originality between sportsbooks is quite slim. However, SBR’s editorial team does focus most of its time and attention on the following six categories.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

Operators know they only get one chance to make a first impression. So, they need to emit the proverbial bat signal and draw attention to their products via substantial welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to entice players to return to their platform. These days, the most common welcome bonuses are deposit matches, bonus bets, and first bet insurance, which allows first-time players to be slightly more aggressive on their first wager.

Once the sign-up offers expire, account promotions and perks include reduced juice, boosted odds, bonus bets, first bet insurance, and loyalty reward programs. These allow players to accumulate points on every bet that can be redeemed for future bets, tournament entries, and other VIP experiences not found anywhere else.

User experience

Grading a user experience is challenging because to each their own, right? However, we can all agree that we know the difference between a positive user experience and a negative one. The app should be solid, not “hang” or “lock up” or randomly stop working. The site should be easy to navigate from page to page. Creating a bet slip should be easy to use. Banking options should be easily accessible.

As more states and operators have launched in the United States, we have learned that the more seamless the process, the better the user experience. Fewer clicks to get to where you want to go, the better.

Sports bet variety

We all know that the four major sports in the United States are NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, but sports bet variety on these platforms matters. Thus, we are rating sportsbooks based on access to European soccer markets, PGA majors, tennis majors, UFC events, and heavyweight boxing bouts because a Paul brother will probably fight every six months now.

Individual sports aside, the types of bets matter, too. Moneylines, point spread, and point totals betting are great for novice players, but we’ll also want to see operators offering live in-game betting, player props, parlays, teasers, and futures odds on the board.

Banking options

Before legal sports betting in Colorado, the most significant friction point to entry was safe and secure banking options. This is no longer an issue as most online sportsbooks in the Rocky Mountain State accept major credit and debit cards, Paypal, bank wire transfers, and other e-wallet options.

Payout speed

SBR’s editorial team reviews the withdrawal request process for each of Colorado’s 20 online sportsbooks. The average time to receive a payout is five business days, but it can be longer if you request a physical check be mailed to your residence. In that case, it can take up to 15 business days. The faster the payout speed of an operator, the higher the rating SBR awards the site.

Security and customer support

With personal and financial information being beamed back and forth between online sportsbook operators and bettors, Colorado sportsbooks must use the latest encryption software and prioritize data security. You don’t want bad actors accessing personal data because an online sportsbook was lazy in setting up firewall protections for your accounts.

If you ever run into an issue, Colorado sportsbooks must make customer service reps easy to access at all hours of the day. Most sites and the app now offer a live chat function that can help get you answers to all your queries as soon as possible rather than waiting on hold via phone or waiting on an emailed response back. The CS team, via live chat, answers your questions on demand.

How to start betting in Colorado

Suppose you’re eager to back the Denver Nuggets heading into the NBA playoffs or champing at the bit to wager on the Denver Broncos to flip the script with Sean Payton coaching Russell Wilson. In that case, there are a few things to do before placing your first bet at a Colorado online sportsbook or sports betting app. Here is a quick and easy explainer of how to get started betting in the Rocky Mountain State.

Select a sportsbook licensed in Colorado

First, do your due diligence by reviewing some or all of the 20 online sportsbooks SBR’s editorial team rated. This will help you make an educated decision before investing time and making a first deposit with a Colorado sportsbook operator.

When you’ve found a favorite, it’s time to either sign up via their online sportsbook on a desktop/laptop computer or download their app onto a smartphone or tablet.

Register online

The registration process is clean and straightforward and should take less than five minutes.

Fire up your sports betting app to start. The operator will require you to provide basic personal information like your full name, home address, email address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number. Sportsbooks need your social security number for various reasons, namely for age verification and to avoid duplicate accounts that hackers can make in your name.

The operator will also likely send you an email to activate your account. Once you click that link, the sportsbook will ask you to create a unique username and secret password. The strongest account passwords combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Deposit and claim a bonus

After registering and logging in, head over to the cashier’s page. Here you’ll sync your preferred banking method with your Colorado sportsbook account. The most common deposit options are credit card, debit card, bank wire transfer, or third-party services like Paypal.

At this step, before you submit the amount you want to deposit, you’ll want to have any required welcome bonus promo codes handy to punch into the specified field on the screen. The last thing you want to have to happen is to make a first deposit and leave cash on the table because you forgot a promo code.

Select and finalize your bet

Now that you’re registered and have made a first-time deposit, it’s time to review the betting markets available. A positive user experience allows you to seamlessly move around the sportsbook from one sport and event to another with lag times. Building a bet slip with a combination of different wagers on the same ticket should be easy.

Once your bet slip is complete, finalize your bet by clicking submit. You’ll receive a bet confirmation once it goes through.

Win and withdraw your payout

Congrats, your first bets were winners! Maybe you’re eager to get some return on investment sooner rather than later. You can quickly request a withdrawal by returning to the cashier’s page. Payout options are via bank wire transfer, third parties like Paypal, or you can even request a withdrawal via check by courier. Just know that it can take up to 15 business days to receive your funds if you order a physical cheque.

Colorado sports betting handle

Thanks mainly to the NFL regular season, legal Colorado sportsbooks — both mobile and retail — raked in $518 million or more in the last three months of 2022. The state’s total betting handle for 2022 was $5.17 billion, up from $3.83 billion in 2021.

Of those total bets, Colorado enjoyed tax revenues of $19.7 million in 2022, up from $11.7 million the previous year. If everything goes as planned this fiscal year, sports betting could generate more than $30 million for the Rocky Mountain State. We should also expect the sports betting handle to flirt with $6 billion in a state with only 5.8 million people.

2023 Colorado handle

MonthHandle
January$547.1 million
February$425.1 million
March$494.4 million
April$417.8 million
May$385.2 million
June$310.6 million
July $281.1 million
August$306.1 million
SeptemberTBD
OctoberTBD
NovemberTBD
DecemberTBD
Total$3.17 billion

Colorado sports leagues and teams to bet on

You can bet on Colorado’s professional teams, like the Broncos, Nuggets, Colorado Rockies, and the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche, with the most popular betting markets like moneylines, point spreads, and point totals. You can also wager on in-state college teams, which is fun during bowl season and March Madness basketball tournaments.

While backing your hometown teams can be fun, it’s often not the smartest betting strategy. Bet with your brain, and don’t let emotion get in the way of handicapping a matchup. Keep an eye on injury updates, suspensions, and depth chart changes that may be hidden in headline news.

Denver Broncos 🏈

The Denver Broncos are the most popular sports team in Colorado, which is hardly surprising given the NFL's dominance of the sports landscape in America. The Broncos have an impressive eight AFC championships, many of them owing to the spectacular play of Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. After winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998, Elway retired on top.

The Broncos carried on, of course. They won another Super Bowl in 2015, this time the result of an incredible defense. The team was sold to new ownership in 2022 for $4.65 billion, who quickly brought in Sean Payton as the new head coach in an attempt to return title contention.

Denver Nuggets 🏀

For most of their existence, the Denver Nuggets were afterthoughts of the NBA's Western Conference. While teams like the Lakers and Spurs were winning titles, the Nuggets just hung out in the background. Sure, they would win the odd Northwest Division title, but those mean very little in the NBA compared to championship rings.

That all changed when they drafted Nikola Jokic in 2014, with the 41st overall pick. Within a few years they were regular playoff contenders. In 2023, led by Jokic's phenomenal all-around play, the Nuggets won their first NBA championship. 

Colorado Rockies ⚾

The Colorado Rockies joined MLB as an expansion side in 1993. Despite the thin mountain air seeing baseballs fly out of Coors Field at an above-average rate, the Rockies haven't seen much success. They boast just a single NL Pennant from 2007 but were swept in the World Series by the Boston Red Sox.

Colorado sports fans still love the Rockies, even without any consistent success. After all, it's one of the only options for pro sports all summer, along with the Colorado Rapids of MLS. It remains a popular betting market on many sportsbook, thanks in part to MLB's daily schedule of games.

Colorado Avalanche 🏒

The pain of hockey fans in Quebec City became the joy of puckheads in Colorado when the Nordiques packed their bags and moved out of Canada and into the Mile High City in 1995. The team owes most of their historic success to the move, winning 12 Division titles, three Presidents' Trophies, and a trio of Stanley Cup championships in Colorado.

The Avalanche continue to entertain CO sports fans with winning seasons, thanks in part to drafting sniper Nathan MacKinnon with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2013. 

Other CO sports betting ⚽

Online sportsbooks also offer betting odds for Major League Soccer (MLS). So, if you’re interested in backing the Colorado Rapids, you’re in luck. Other less popular betting markets include international soccer, PGA tournaments, men’s and women’s tennis majors, and UFC/MMA fight cards.

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

There are currently 20 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps to choose from in Colorado. There could have been more, but TwinSpires shuttered mobile operations in May 2022, BetWildwood shut down the following month, and WynnBet closed in August 2023. There are 33 total licenses available. So, there remains room for growth in the Rocky Mountain State.

Colorado’s online and mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbookLaunch date
Bally BetMay 2021
BarstoolAugust 2021
Bet365September 2022
BetfredSeptember 2020
BetMGMMay 2020
BetMonarchMay 2020
BetRiversMay 2020
BetsafeMarch 2022
BetwayApril 2021
CaesarsAugust 2021
Circa SportsJuly 2020
DraftKingsMay 2020
FanDuelMay 2020
PlayUpMarch 2021
PointsBetNovember 2020
SBKJune 2020
SI Sportsbook (888)September 2021
Sky UteJune 2020
SuperBookJanuary 2021
TipicoAugust 2021

Land-based Colorado sportsbooks

There are 12 land-based, retail Colorado sportsbooks. However, they are far from major city centers like Denver, and most listed below are in Black Hawk, Colorado.

Retail Colorado sportsbookLocation
Barstool SportsbookAmeristar Black Hawk, Black Hawk, CO
BetFredSaratoga Casino, Black Hawk, CO
BetMonarchMonarch Casino Resort Spa, Black Hawk, CO
BetRiversMcGills Hotel and Casino, Cripple Creek, CO
Bronco SportsbookBronco Billy’s Casino, Cripple Creek, CO
CaesarsIsle Casino Hotel, Black Hawk, CO
CaesarsLady Luck Casino, Black Hawk, CO
DraftKings SportsbookBally’s Black Hawk, Black Hawk, CO
Elite SportsbookRed Dolly Casino, Black Hawk, CO
Play MaverickGrand Z Casino, Central City, CO
SuperBookLodge Casino, Black Hawk, CO
Woody’s SportsbookWildwood Casino, Cripple Creek, CO

Who can bet on sports in Colorado?

Legal age

You must be at least 21 to wager on sports in Colorado.

Mobile betting

Mobile sports betting went live in Colorado in May 2020 and remains a hot commodity, with 20 operators offering sports betting app services.

Remote registration

You do not need to visit retail sportsbooks to register for an online sportsbook account, and you can take care of sign-up via computer or sports betting app. This process takes less than five minutes to complete.

Within state borders

You don’t have to be a full-time resident of Colorado to wager via online sportsbooks or sports betting apps, but you need to be physically within state borders. Sports betting operators use geotagging software to determine each person’s location when they log into or place a bet using Colorado online sportsbooks.

Retail sportsbooks

In addition to the 20 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps, Colorado offers 12 retail sportsbooks to wager in person, and bettors can find most in Black Hawk casinos.

Taxable winnings

Uncle Sam and the state of Colorado want a slice of your sports betting profits. You’ll be taxed at the federal and state level on profits only. The feds take about 24%, while Rocky Mountain State snatches 4.63%. Remember, you can offset tax liability when you deduct losses from your profits.

What you can't bet on in Colorado

As we’ve touched on throughout this sports betting guide, Colorado is a hotbed for NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA wagers, but there are some categories you still can’t wager on or that the Department of Gaming is keeping on the sidelines for the near future.

Politics

You can’t wager on politics in Colorado. So, your hopes of laying down some scratch on the odds to win the 2024 US presidential election will have to wait.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Entertainment award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys are not allowed in Colorado, and you will not find odds at online sportsbooks. However, unique annual events like the NFL Draft are legal to wager on yearly.

eSports

eSports betting in Colorado is an interesting case study in the gaming industry. You may bet on eSports in Colorado, but each event must be approved individually, and there is no blanket approval process. So, the video game tournaments listed in various sportsbooks may vary depending on if the eSports Integrity Commission approves the event.

What about Colorado college sports?

Several state laws restrict wagers on in-state collegiate teams, but you can bet on all college sports in Colorado, both in-state and out-of-state programs. This means sportsbooks will feature odds on Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes winning the Pac-12 this fall. However, you won’t find any college player prop odds on the board because they are prohibited.

Responsible sports betting in Colorado

With 20 online and 12 retail sportsbooks active, Colorado’s Division of Gaming (CDOG) is the governing body overseeing sports betting. The CDOG’s mission is to ensure honesty and integrity in the state’s gaming industry. They are in charge of reviewing applications, issuing licenses, managing revenues, enforcing laws, and issuing fines when operators color outside the lines.

The CDOG audit department conducts regular compliance reviews to ensure operators keep honest and accurate accounting books and pay their taxes promptly. The Technical Systems Group of the CDOG verifies safety and security protocols of mobile sports betting products, including field tests to ensure geofencing and identity verification measures are working in the remote registration world.

The CDOG charges a $10,000 application fee to interested operators and, if approved, charges a $125,000 licensing fee that’s good for two years.

A portion of tax revenue from sports betting goes towards treating problem gambling, including the state’s 24-hour hotline: 1-800-522-4700.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Colorado

Once upon a time, before Colorado offered interested parties 20 online sportsbooks, sports betting apps, and 12 retail sportsbooks, bettors would often seek the services of offshore sportsbook operators. These blacklisted sites are unregulated by governing bodies at the federal and state levels. So, you’ll want to avoid these sites and stick to the ones SBR’s editorial team has reviewed.

Below are three examples of offshore sportsbooks that engaged in nefarious business practices rather than providing Colorado sports bettors a positive user experience.

BetOnSports ❌TopBet ❌131Sport ❌
Blacklisted since 2006Scam sportsbookBlacklisted since 2007
Grand jury indictmentOver a dozen reported confiscated winningsHistory of scams  
Over $16-million owedOffline with $45,000 unpaid to players
Players got pennies on dollar in settlement

Sports betting across the U.S.

Are you looking for information on sports betting across the U.S.? Check out our comprehensive guide to legal sports betting in the United States.

Sports betting in legal U.S. states

Sports betting in potential legal U.S. states

U.S. sports betting apps

Sports betting in other regions

Stay updated on the status of Canadian sports betting in provinces where it is legalized:

International News

For sports betting in U.K., visit our U.K sports betting pages.

Colorado sports betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Colorado?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Colorado and offers 20 online sportsbooks to choose from and 12 retail sportsbooks to visit in person.

When did sports betting go live in Colorado?

Legal sports betting in Colorado went live on May 1, 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

What is the minimum age to bet in Colorado?

The minimum age to bet on sports in Colorado is 21 years old.

Where can I bet on sports in Colorado?

You can bet on sports in Colorado at 12 retail sportsbooks, most of which can be found in Black Hawk, or register for a mobile betting account at any of the 20 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps the Rocky Mountain State currently offers.

How many online sportsbooks are there in Colorado?

There are a total of 20 online sportsbooks in Colorado.

What sportsbooks are legal in Colorado?

There are 20 legal online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in Colorado, and there are 12 legal retail sportsbooks. See our lists above for every single book available. 

Can you bet on Colorado-based teams in Colorado?

Yes, you can bet on Colorado-based teams in Colorado. Unlike some states, you can also wager on any in-state collegiate program, and this becomes handy come college bowl season and the March Madness college basketball tournament.

Do you have to live in Colorado to bet online?

No, you do not need to live in Colorado full-time to be online. When wagering via a sports betting app or online sportsbook, you only need to be physically within the Colorado state lines. Sports betting operators use geotracking technology to verify your location at the login time and wager.

How do you place a sports bet in Colorado?

You have three options when placing a sports bet in Colorado:

1) You can download a sports betting app and wager on that platform.

2) Register for online sportsbooks and wager on that platform.

3) You can visit a brick-and-mortar, land-based retail sportsbook, and wager in person.

Are sports betting apps legal in Colorado?

Yes, sports betting apps are legal in Colorado.